Where to go when you’re having a mental health crisis
Hope and help is at hand. Find out more about free mental health support in the UK, US and Australia. You matter.
Our generation has a serious problem with mental health. Even though we’re doing everything in our power to destroy the stigma surrounding it, many of us are failing to actually get the help we so desperately need.
According to a survey conducted by students at American University, Millennials feel cost and time are the biggest factors keeping their peers from seeking mental health care. Many of us are simply too broke to afford high-priced counselling sessions.
I was struck by how half of the survey respondents thought that people their age didn’t know where to go for mental health care. Maureen Rubin, Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of Nevada, Reno, points out:
“After 18 years of age, kids are on their own. They are the ones who fall through the cracks because they don’t have access to services.”
Please believe me when I say there is hope.
If you’re ready to get help, or if you just need someone to talk to, there are free programmes available for you to take advantage of across the world. This list doesn’t cover every source of help out there but it does feature a wide variety of services. Hopefully one of them will meet your needs.
Again, all programmes on this list are available free of charge.
US Helplines
Crisis Text Line — Text HELLO to 741741
Crisis Text Line offers 24/7 trained support for those in crisis. Their priority is helping people move from a hot moment to a cool calm, and guiding them to create a plan to stay safe and healthy.
IMAlive — Chat Now
Specifically aimed at those in crisis who are unable to speak on the phone, IMAlive is a virtual crisis center boasting 100% of their volunteers as trained in crisis intervention.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 1.800.273.8255
The Lifeline provides confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources. It’s accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Live chat is also available.
Trevor Lifeline — 1.866.488.7386
Confidential support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. Live chat is also available.
Veterans Crisis Line — 1.800.273.8255 and Press 1
The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis with qualified Department of Veterans Affairs responders — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Live chat is also available.
UK Helplines
Breathing Space (Scotland) — 0800 83 85 87
Free, confidential, advice for anyone experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.
C.A.L.L. Helpline (Wales) — 0800 132 737
Offers emotional support and information on mental health and related matters to the people of Wales.
HOPEline UK — 0800 068 41 41
Provides suicide intervention, confidential support, and advice on how to cope with thoughts of suicide, and where you can access help.
Lifeline Helpline (Northern Ireland) — 0808 808 8000
Counsellors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to listen and help, in confidence. They can also provide face-to-face counselling in your local area within seven days.
Samaritans — 116 123
No matter what you’re going through, Samaritans offers support for your concerns, worries and troubles. You don’t have to be suicidal! 24/7/365
Australian Helplines
Butterfly Foundation Helpline — 1800 33 4673
Butterfly provides support for Australians who suffer from eating disorders and negative body image issues and their carers.
Kids Helpline — 1800 55 1800
A free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
Lifeline — 13 11 14
Lifeline provides free, 24-hour telephone crisis support service in Australia. Volunteer Crisis Supporters provide suicide prevention services, mental health support and emotional assistance. Live chat is also available.
MindSpot — 1800 61 44 34
An online and telephone clinic providing free assessment and treatment services for Australian adults with anxiety or depression.
Q Life — 1800 184 527
Offering early intervention, peer supported telephone and web based services to LGBTI people experiencing poor mental health, psychological distress, social isolation, discrimination, experiences of being misgendered and/or other social determinants that impact on their health and wellbeing. Live chat is also available.
Samaritans Australia — 135 247
Providing support for all callers, regardless of their situation.
SANE Helpline — 1800 18 7263
Information about mental illness, treatments, where to go for support and help carers.
Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467
Suicide Call Back Service provides free phone, video & online counselling for anyone affected by suicide. Live chat is also available.
VVCS — 1800 011 046
Free and confidential counseling for veterans and their families. Available 24 hours a day.
It’s time to make your mental health a priority.
Take a moment to research affordable mental health treatment in your area. Start and maintain a vigorous self-care routine. Open up to your friends and family about your struggles. Most of all, never be afraid or ashamed to ask for help.
You are so loved, and you deserve to be happy! I’m rooting for you!
